Comparison

Focal reading vs Speed Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Focal reading

Features
Read full description

Read faster. Read more. Focal uses RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) technology to help you read 2-3x faster than traditional reading — without losing comprehension. ■ SPEED READING MODE Double-tap to activate speed reading. Words appear one at a time with the optimal focal point highlighted, eliminating eye movement and dramatically increasing your reading speed. Adjust from 200 to 1000+ words per minute. ■ BEAUTIFUL EPUB READER Import your EPUB books and enjoy a distraction-free reading experience. Choose from 6 elegant themes including Dark, Light, Sepia, and more. Customize font size to your preference. ■ TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Daily reading goals to build consistency • Streak tracking to stay motivated • Weekly activity charts • Year-at-a-glance heat map • Total reading time and session stats ■ ACHIEVEMENTS Unlock achievements as you build your reading habit. From your first book to 30-day streaks, celebrate every milestone. ■ SLEEP TIMER Set a timer and let Focal pause automatically — perfect for reading before bed. ■ PRIVACY FIRST All your data stays on your device. No accounts, no tracking, no ads. Whether you're a student tackling textbooks, a professional keeping up with industry reading, or a book lover who wants to read more — Focal helps you make the most of your reading time. Start reading smarter today.

About

Speed Reader

This app uses Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) to display words one at a time, helping you read faster by minimizing eye movement and subvocalization. It supports various file formats and offers customizable settings for an improved reading experience.

Highlights
  • RSVP reading technique
  • Import PDFs, ePubs, web pages, and text files
  • Adjustable reading speed
  • Reading streaks and statistics
  • Chapter navigation
  • Distraction-free interface
  • Customizable display settings
Features
Read full description

Speed Reader transforms the way you read using RSVP, Rapid Serial Visual Presentation, one of the most effective reading techniques ever developed. Instead of scanning lines of text, words appear one at a time in a fixed focal point, eliminating subvocalization and unnecessary eye movement so your brain can absorb information faster than you ever thought possible. Whether you're a student drowning in reading assignments, a professional trying to stay on top of industry news, or a book lover who wants to read more titles in less time — Speed Reader is built for you. WHAT IS RSVP? Most people read at 200-250 words per minute. RSVP readers routinely reach 400, 600, even 800+ WPM with practice. The technique is simple: one word at a time, displayed at the center of your screen. Your eyes stay still. Your brain does the rest. KEY FEATURES - Import PDFs, ePubs, HTTPS web pages, HTML files, plain text - .txt files, md (markdown files) - Adjustable reading speed — start slow and build up at your own pace - Reading streaks / stats - Chapter navigation - Detailed reading stats and progress tracking - Clean, distraction-free reading interface - collapsable navigation - Customizable display settings HOW IT WORKS Import any document or paste any text, set your words-per-minute speed, and press play. Speed Reader does the rest. Start your free 7-day trial with full access to every feature, then unlock the full app for a single one-time payment — no subscription, no recurring fees, ever. PERFECT FOR - Students tackling textbooks and research papers - Professionals keeping up with reports, articles, and emails - Book lovers who want to read their entire reading list - Anyone curious about speed reading who doesn't know where to start Download Speed Reader today and discover what reading at full speed feels like.

Screenshots

Focal reading4 screens
Speed Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Speed Reader at Free against Focal reading's $0.99. Focal reading's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 months). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Speed Reader is free to download; Focal reading costs $0.99 up front. Speed Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Focal reading asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Focal reading ships an update every 3 days, Speed Reader every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and August 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Focal reading versus Speed Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocal readingSpeed Reader
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating—4.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCarlos Domingo morillasMatt Humphreys

In-app purchases

None

Focal reading

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Speed Reader

One-time1
  • Speed Reader Pro$4.99

Questions

Is Focal reading free?
Focal reading costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Speed Reader free?
Speed Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Focal reading or Speed Reader have ads?
Neither Focal reading nor Speed Reader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Focal reading or Speed Reader?
Focal reading ships an update every 3 days, and Speed Reader every 3 months. Most recently, Focal reading was updated on September 13, 2026 and Speed Reader on August 10, 2026.

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